The ongoing crisis within the Oyo State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) took a dramatic turn over the weekend as South West leaders of the association gathered in Ibadan to address what they termed “unending impersonation and criminal activities” aimed at undermining the unity and peace within the association.
At a press conference held on Saturday, NANTS leadership, led by Chief Apesin, the South West Secretary, denounced the actions of certain individuals whom they accused of attempting to destabilize the association. Apesin described the culprits as “impersonators, conspirators, and busybodies” whose actions would soon be addressed in court.
Chief Apesin noted that the national body of NANTS had previously issued letters to clarify the situation, urging the public to recognize the authentic leadership of the association in Oyo State and warning against being misled by individuals with questionable intentions.
He presented the first of these letters, dated September 9, 2024, and signed by Dr. Ken Ukaoha, Esq., National President of NANTS, which was addressed to one Labake Ogundimola. The letter was read aloud during the event, making clear the association’s stance on the ongoing crisis.
The letter read:
“First is to express our disgust with your unpermitted use of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) official letterhead and the printing/use of an address unknown to us as NANTS office, in writing your letter of request, when, in actual fact, you are not in any recognized leadership of the association. This is indeed a very clear affront on NANTS and a criminal act of impersonation that has to be thoroughly investigated.”
The letter further elaborated:
“Secondly, while we somewhat recognize your interest in joining NANTS as a member of the national traders umbrella, regrettably, the names in your letter (Princess Rahmat Aderonke Adedoka and Alhaji Lawal Abolade) are not found in NANTS membership or leadership records. Therefore, the above-stated offence of impersonation thickens.
“Furthermore, while an investigation will be commenced, I wish to inform you that as an organization established by law, NANTS upholds the tenets/doctrine of respect for hierarchy in all organization matters. All available records at the National Headquarters of NANTS glaringly indicate that only a strong leadership in Oyo State, led by Chief Mrs. Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, exists. Of note, Chief Mrs. Danjuma is fully recognized as the chairperson of the Oyo State Chapter and doubles as the Acting National Women Leader of NANTS. We are proud of her efforts, her achievements, and her potential as an indefatigable daughter of Oduduwa.”
The letter concluded by urging Ogundimola and her colleagues to respect the law and the established leadership, warning against further actions that could harm the association.
Another letter, dated September 13, 2024, and signed by Dr. Ken Ukaoha, Esq., the National President of NANTS, was addressed to the Office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zonal Intelligence Department, Zone 11 Command Headquarters, Osogbo. It reiterated NANTS’ commitment to investigating impersonation and protecting its leadership.
Titled **”Investigation Activities RE: Case of Defamation of Character, Misrepresentation, and Conduct likely to Cause Breach of Peace”**, the letter reads:
“Your letter dated September 12, 2024, with reference No: CR:3000/ZN.11/ZID/VOL.2/258, and on the above subject matter, refers. I hereby solemnly confirm and declare:
i. That the letter you attached for confirmation was written by me in my position as the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS).
ii. That the said letter was signed on my behalf by the Head of Admin/HR of the Association under my instruction because I am out of town.
iii. That Chief Mrs. Odunayo Danjuma is the true and only chairperson of the Oyo State Chapter of NANTS and doubles as the Acting National Women Leader of the Association.
iv. That there is NO REMOVAL of Chief Mrs. Odunayo Danjuma in any ramification, but only a fictitious fabrication of unscrupulous elements who are out for mischief, placing NANTS in Oyo State and South West zone in anarchy thereby causing a breach of peace in Oyo State and the entire region.”
Chief Apesin, citing these letters, emphasized that Chief Mrs. Danjuma remains the legitimate leader of NANTS in Oyo State, adding that those causing confusion would face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, Chief Apesin also listed names of NANTS leaders in South West as follows:
(1) Hajia Mariat Iliasu, Coordinator, Lagos State
(2) Chief S Ebere, Coordinator, Lagos State
(3) Chief R. T. Hassan, Ogun State Coordinator
(4) Yeye Oge Oluranti Subair, Chairperson, Ogun state
(5) Mr. Solomon Akinwole, Coordinator, Ondo State
(6) Chief (Mrs.) Adaramoye Agn Chairperson /woman Leader Ondo state
(7) Olori Tayo Adedapo Cordinator Osun State
(8) Chief Apesin Adegoke Chairman Osun state / Southwest Secretary
(9) Chief Mrs Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, Chairperson Oyo State and Southwest Coordinator
(10) Chief Lawrence Fajuyi, Coordinator, Ekiti state
(11) Alhaji Azeez Amusat, Chairman, Ekiti State
He however, emphasized that appointment of candidate into position of Southwest Coordinator is a sole duty and right of the National Headquarter of NANTS, which presently is occupied by Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Danjuma.
Reacting to the ongoing situation, Chief Mrs. Odunayo Kayode Danjuma remained resolute, stating that no amount of intimidation or harassment would sway her from standing firm against impersonators and conspirators. “I understand them very well; they are on an unachievable mission. These are people with questionable characters, very unreliable and inconsistent,” she said.
Danjuma recounted how the same individuals who are now attempting to undermine her leadership had previously lobbied a particular leader to take up the position of Babaloja-General of Oyo State, only to later support another candidate in a contradictory move. “I was never born to be a coward, neither would I compromise my stand. It’s a matter of time; the law will soon catch up with evildoers,” Danjuma concluded.
